EQUITANA Melbourne, presented by The Weekly Times, is the one event that brings together every aspect of the equine community to one venue. Four days of prominent educators, international trainers, top riders, specialist clinics, multitudes of shopping possibilities, elite competition, endless entertainment and hundreds of beautiful horses all combine to create the most action packed event seen in Australia.

EQUITANA Melbourne 2010 is proud to introduce the following star presenters:

- Steffen Peters - Three time USA Olympian and World Cup Dressage Champion.

- Ian Francis – Australia’s internationally renowned Master Horseman.

- William Fox-Pitt - One of the most successful British Three Day Event Riders ever.

These amazing horsemen will be presenting a number of educational sessions alongside their specialist Dressage, Horsemanship and Eventing Clinics. A not to be missed opportunity to learn from proven masters of their sports.

“As the 150th Anniversary of Spring Carnival draws to a conclusion this year there is one event that shines out as a true tourism success for Victoria. The Australian love of horses is legendary, but too often the broader equine industry is over shadowed by horse racing. EQUITANA Melbourne has evolved over 11 years to become a true showcase for the industry and equine sports”, comments Event Director Rod Lockwood.

“This year’s program will be underpinned by the inaugural EQUITANA Australian Open, the new name of our feature elite competitions in Dressage, Jumping, Reining, Cutting & Campdrafting which are true spectator sports. In addition to the EQUITANA Australian Open will be our iconic “The Way of the Horse - Australian Horsemanship Challenge.” In this event, three talented horse trainers demonstrate, in a shortened format, the highly personal and specialist methods of connecting with a young horse over only two days” Rod adds.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said the Victorian Government has been supporting EQUITANA Melbourne since the inaugural event in 1999 and is very pleased to continue the support to this very unique event.

"EQUITANA Melbourne is a significant tourism event for Melbourne and is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere," Mr Holding said. "As a Hallmark Event, it forms part of our outstanding events calendar which draws new and return visitors to the State to experience Victoria's many tourism offerings. In previous years, the event has drawn tens of thousands of people to enjoy the equine experience on offer and I'm sure that the 2010 event will be just as successful," Mr Holding said.

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www.equitana.com.au